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There Are Opportunities All Around – From A to Z
“NETWORKING”- Part 3
Maintaining Our Developing Network
By Zahra Aprili
Soulcial Scene Contributor
For the past two months we
have been discussing how to build a rewarding and effective
network. I have shared with you my belief that having a
network means having relationships and it is from this
perspective that we have approached my three steps for
building a rewarding network. New Year is here and I am
really curious to know how all of you are doing.
We used November as our
launching month, taking the time to start a conversation,
meet someone new and reacquaint ourselves with someone we
did not know very well.
1.
 FIRST CONTACT
In December we begin the process of sifting through these
new connections and categorizing them based on our initial
purpose ad continuing to add new connections.
2.
EVALUATION
Step two is EVALUATION of the connections that you
have made. Ask yourself key questions to sort your
new connections through your network funnel.
1.
What was your purpose?
2.
Is the contact directly engaged in your purpose?
3.
Is the contact is connected with individuals, businesses or
organizations that relate to your purpose?
4.
Did you make a personal connection in addition to a purpose
connection with the individual?
 
If you have been following along and engaged in the process
you should have three to four connections that you have
sifted through your funnel and two to three that need
sorting. Heading into January we want to bring this process
full circle using the last step in our process for building
a rewarding network.
Step 3 is MAINTENANCE. It is not enough to
make just make the acquaintance of someone and place them in
a category for follow up. Remember building a network is
building a relationship. Relationships need to be nurtured
in order to grow. Likewise, our developing networks need
continual maintenance in order to grow and be of use to us.
I know you’re waiting for me to tell you how exactly you are
supposed to maintain this growing network, right? All you
need to do is remember the following:
Be VISIABLE- You cannot make connections and then
disappear. This is especially important after your initial
follow up. Keep your network engaged. Set reminders to tell
you to communicate with members of your network. We get
caught up in our everyday lives and sometimes forget to
reach out. The old saying is true, “Out of Sight, Out of
Mind.” Do not allow your new connections to forget you
exist.
Be VOCAL- Send email, share social media posts, share
articles and books of interest with your network. Start a
discussion on a particular subject and ask for the opinions
of the members of your network.
Be VALUABLE- Refer people in your network to others.
Your ability to connect other together is an asset to anyone
in your network. Remember all those “No’s” you funneled?
They might not be right for your personal developing
network, but there is some else who may need to be
introduced to that “No” connection. Send out invitations,
are you going to an event that may benefit someone in your
network? Have an extra ticket? Invite them along. Have a
member of your network be your plus one goes a long way when
you are nurturing your connections.
Be a VOLUNTEER- As it relates to maintaining your
developing network I encourage you to be helpful and get
involved. At its height this could mean joining an
organization or committee of interest related to YOUR
PURPOSE. Getting involved allows you to be around like
minded individuals who are a part of, or have the potential
to become a part of your growing network. In addition, you
are able to keep up with these individuals through
structured meetings and activities. In its most base form,
VOLUNTEERING could simply be making yourself available to
assist a member of your network and actually following
through. Showing that you are conscientious and dependable
will go a long way in keeping maintaining your
relationships.
I hope that this series has helped each of you to venture
out of your comfort zones and think differently about how
you approach networking with others and figuring out how to
grow your networking relationships. Networking is a
continuous cycle, when done correctly will enhance both your
business and personal relationships.
Zahra Aprili is a professional consigliere. She works with
individuals and businesses that have ideas for growth and
change, helping them to get organized and connecting them
with service providers who can help them on their journey.
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